Ipods don't actually use mp3, they have a different apple format. Effectively it's the same thing though, and the itunes S/W you get can read normal CDs or MP3s for importing to your ipod.
Some useful links:
[broken link removed] www.ipodlounge.com/
boards.ie (under technology/gadgets)
The consensus seems to be that other players (such as iriver), maybe technically better, but the ipod is the most stylish and user friendly. Most arguments seem to be around:
- battery life
- storage/capacity
- sound quality (but you're buying convenience, not Hi-Fi?)
(sound quality, battery life
I have an ipod mini which I got for Christmas. Find it great, get 6+ hrs out of the battery, was pretty easy to import 60-70 cds into it. Would like to have an FM radio on it as well though.
The iPod is still the best MP3 player in my humble opinion...
...and also the best one according to What Hi Fi, when judged by quality of sound first, then user interface, size, features and desirability.
Actually up to recently at least [broken link removed] tended to get better ratings on sound quality and iRiver players tended to get better ratings on features even if neither are generally not as compact or sleek or have the same marketing hype as Apple's offerings.
Ipods don't actually use mp3, they have a different apple format.
But they can play MP3s even if the "native"/default format is AAC. See [broken link removed].
I have a Creative Zen and get 24hr battery life (yes 24hrs just like it says on the box!). The Creative Zen Micro has a radio on it and has a 5MB capacity
Yeah - prices for gadgets/computer stuff are amazing over there. Bought for US$30 in [broken link removed] and it could have been US$20 if I'd bothered to use a colleague's US address to claim the mail in-rebate. A colleague bought a Creative Touch for the same number of dollars as it would have cost in euros. This was the case of most stuff (e.g. if an item cost Eur100 here then it cost US$100 or less there).